MINISTERS' VISIT TO ENGLAND

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1918, Page 3

MINISTERS' VISIT TO ENGLAND

A DUTY, NOT A PLEASUREThe visit to England of th<> Prime Minister and Minister of Finance was discussed by Sir Joseph VVard at Christchurch on Saturday. Sir Joseph Ward spoke strongly of criticisms of the Ministers' decision to leave New Zealand just now. He said that neither he nor Mr. Massey wished foi thr visit. Ife it was a matter of choice, both Mr. Massey and be would prefer not to have to go. The Imperial authorities had asked them tc go, and it was their duty to go. If anybody thought that there \va» pleasure in the trip, that person was welcome to it instead ot the representatives selected, A little reflection showed what it was like when vessels were being sunk in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, a:nd other waters. It was, in fact, a danger route for every passenger. What was London like under war conditions, with frequent air raids, .vith the streets in darkness, and with other conditions absolutely unknown in this country? It was quite a mistake to suppose that it was a trip of interest and pleasure. Referring to "other aspects of the visit, Sir Joseph Ward said that the question of the Pacific Islands would come before the Conference in London. It stood out from other questions as one of dominant importance. If New Zealand was unrepresented, and if » decision was arrived at to restore the islands to Germany, the calamity to New Zealand would be_ worse than twenty elections. For all time a dangerous centre would overshadow this country. The reversion of the islands to the enemy must be prevented, and New Zealand's representatives must help to prevent it. The Imperial authorities asked all the overseas dominions to be represented at the Conference, and it was not a choice, hut an imperative duty, lor New Zealand to send its representatives.—Christchurch Star.